From Good to Great

Greenwood heads to Raleigh

ryanteaguebeckwith — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:44:56 -0400

Lee Greenwood is coming to Raleigh.

The country singer is appearing at 10 rallies across North Carolina on behalf of Republican gubernatorial candidate Fred Smith.

He will perform his song, "From Good to Great," written for Smith's campaign, and his staple, "God Bless the U.S.A." The events are billed as "an evening of patriotism and music."

Attendees at the rally will also have a chance to meet Smith and Greenwood afterward.

On Wednesday, the Smith campaign will hold the rally at the Hilton North Raleigh from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 3415 Wake Forest Road.

Tickets are available at 877-278-3535 or online at joinfred.com.

Earlier: Smith pays Greenwood $100,000 for song, campaigning.

Smith: Didn't pay $100k just for song

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:04:25 -0500

Fred Smith says he didn't pay $100,000 just for a song.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate paid country singer Lee Greenwood to write a song, perform at barbecues and do other work for his campaign, according to a campaign finance report.

Campaign manager Jonathan Hill said that the money also went for things that Greenwood has not yet done, and he criticized a recent video by state Democrats lampooning the song.

"It's typical of the Democratic reaction that they jump to a conclusion when they don't have the facts," he said. "We've got a long campaign to go, and those expenses are related to the entire campaign, not just a song."

Smith would not specify what else Greenwood will do for the campaign, but he said it will be good.

"We've got lots of plans, and they'll see it when it comes out," he said.

Smith paid $100,000 for campaign song

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:08:17 -0500

Fred Smith paid $100,000 for a song.

According to his most recent campaign finance report, the Republican gubernatorial candidate paid country singer Lee Greenwood to write a song and perform at several barbecues.

Greenwood is best known for his patriotic song, "God Bless the U.S.A.," which has become a staple of Republican political events.

He debuted the song, "From Good to Great," at a fundraiser for Smith in October. He's also played it live at a handful of Smith's barbecues, and the campaign has used a video of Greenwood at other functions.

Smith has used the barbecues to raise money, collecting nearly $28,000 from 900 donors who gave less than $50.

The money was paid to Lee Greenwood Inc. of Nashville, Tenn.

Hat Tip: The Insider